Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has produced its one-millionth EA111 engine, marking a significant milestone in its history.
“This is the most successful line that we have run in the engine plant since it was opened in 1981. It is still operating flawlessly and at an output performance level far exceeding the initial target,” said Richard Reid, unit head of the engine plant.
The EA111 Engine
The production of the EA111 engine began in January 2010 when the first engines for the then Polo and Polo Vivo were produced for the local market. This was followed by making engines for export markets such as Mexico, Taiwan, India, Malaysia, and China. Nearly 350,000 local customers have received the engines of a Polo and Polo Vivo since 2010.
The engine has been a success due to its reliability and fuel efficiency offered by its flexible and strong design. In addition, the engine’s production line is designed in a way that the output capacity can be altered without impacting the stability or the quality.
“The engine plant‘s continued dedication to meeting the strict quality standards set by the Volkswagen Group and continuous achievement of volume targets is a credit to their great teamwork. They are a great example of a team that live our Volkswagen Values of Respect, Integrity, OneTeam and Excellence,” said Thomas Schaefer, Chairman and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group South Africa.
The plant is currently producing more than 450 engines and over 470 machined engine blocks each day with “a two shift pattern run by 192 operators and setters.”
The EA111 engine is manufactured in 1.4l and 1.6l derivatives with both automatic and manual transmissions. The engine also includes the latest generation Polo Vivo built in Uitenhage.
